Crystal chandeliers cast soft light that intertwined with wine glasses, creating a dazzling scene where guests mingled with clinking cups.

The grand commotion drew everyone’s attention, with many recognizing the leader as the senior manager of the mountain villa.

None had ever seen the villa’s owner, as daily management was always handled by this senior manager, whose words typically reflected the owner’s intentions.

Who could possibly compel this senior manager to openly expel guests during an ongoing banquet?

More and more people gathered outside Shen Yanli’s VIP room.

“What’s going on? They dare to expel someone from the Shen family? Do they not want to do business anymore?”

“What do you know? Perhaps this person holds greater influence than the Shen family. Maybe they prioritize reputation over currying favor with the powerful?” The speaker’s voice grew softer toward the end, as even he found the notion implausible.

Who would sever a valuable relationship over baseless rumors?

Especially when that relationship was with the Shen family.

Regardless of whether their power truly surpassed the Shen family’s, maintaining connections always had its uses. This was the first time anyone had dared to burn bridges so blatantly.

Those nearby disagreed with his perspective. “Someone more powerful than the Shen family? If they’re so concerned with reputation, it might be that figure from Wangcheng.”

“Wangcheng?”

“The Wang family of Wangcheng.”

The clamor and discussions outside did not disturb the tranquility within.

Shen Yanli calmly poured tea from the pot. Lin Zhiyu glanced at him; the swirling steam outlined his features, softening his sharp edges.

As warm tea streamed steadily into the cup, his movements were so deliberate that not a drop spilled, as if the chaos outside were none of his concern.

He tested the cup’s temperature with the back of his fingers, then elegantly lifted the saucer and placed it before Lin Zhiyu.

Shen Yanli’s composure was flawless, the tea’s surface undisturbed by even a ripple, his dignified demeanor radiating nobility.

Lin Zhiyu seized the moment while lowering her head to sip her tea to secretly scoff.

What a performance.

The sound was unmistakable to those nearby. A large hand descended upon her head as Shen Yanli gently ruffled her hair.

Their nonchalant attitude greatly irritated the intruder, who seemed displeased at being ignored. Frowning, he reiterated, “Mr. Shen, Miss Lin, please leave.”

The security guards behind him were poised for action, clearly under strict orders from higher-ups to humiliate Shen Yanli today, no matter what.

Most onlookers outside were there for the spectacle to witness the lofty Young Master Shen being unceremoniously ejected. This historic moment would not be complete without their presence.

To them, Shen Yanli’s leisurely demeanor resembled the last struggles of a cornered rat, clinging desperately to pride.

Speculation ran rampant, with bets placed on who would prevail in this standoff. Given the current situation, few wagered on Shen Yanli.

Lin Zhiyu took a slow sip of tea, set the cup down lightly, and looked up with an air of haughty reliance. “Do you even know who our Young Master Shen is? How dare you try to expel him? Fetch your supervisor.”

Dong Ji showed no trace of fear, disdainfully eyeing the woman beside Shen Yanli. “I am the supervisor.” He then gestured behind him. “Mr. Shen, if you do not move, we will have no choice but to resort to force.”

“You? The person in charge? What kind of joke is that?” She pointed at the security guard behind him, pretending to ponder. “The one behind you looks more convincing than you do.”

“Miss Lin, please show some respect.” His face darkened a shade, his voice growing deeper.

This was exactly what Lin Zhiyu had hoped for. She immediately threw herself into Shen Yanli’s arms with a dramatic wail. “Waaah, husband, look at him! He’s being mean to me!”

The young woman furrowed her brows, tears artificially welling in her eyes as she affectedly pounded Shen Yanli’s chest before burying her face against him to conceal her smug grin.

Shen Yanli lowered his head to play along, tightening his arm around her shoulders in feigned comfort. His voice was deep, dripping with exaggerated tenderness. “Alright, no more crying. I’ll teach him a lesson for you.”

Half-hidden against his chest, with strands of hair covering her triumphant smile, Lin Zhiyu glanced at Dong Ji with a pitiful expression and nodded. “Okay.”

She was thoroughly pleased with this performance of the doting emperor and his spoiled concubine, excitedly poking Shen Yanli’s waist with her little finger to show her satisfaction.

The man remained unflappable, capturing her mischievous finger in his palm and toying with it. “My wife has made it clear. Have your boss come speak with me personally. Where is Wang Zhitao?”

“I’m here.” A low, authoritative voice came from outside not loud, but carrying perfectly across the room.

The security guards in black made way as an elderly gentleman emerged from the crowd. The figure Lin Zhiyu had been eagerly anticipating followed close behind.

The Wang family of Wangcheng, like the Shen family, belonged to the longstanding aristocratic elite. It was difficult to determine which was more powerful both were local titans in their respective cities, their influence evenly matched.

Wang Zhitao’s voice cut sharply through the air as he issued a blunt dismissal. “You’ve seen me now, Mr. Shen. You may leave. Henceforth, you will no longer have a place at Tianheng Villa. I suggest you seek opportunities elsewhere.”

Lin Zhiyu observed the newcomer with keen interest, lifting her gaze to study him.

The novel had described this old man Lu Yuchen, while making his way in the world, had once saved Wang Zhitao’s wife during an asthma attack. Wang Zhitao was utterly devoted to his wife, and thus treated Lu Yuchen as his own grandson, championing his causes at every turn. This support became one of Lu Yuchen’s key advantages in eventually overthrowing Shen Yanli.

She hadn’t expected this trump card to be played so soon. It seemed they’d been provoked beyond measure.

“Old Mr. Wang, let’s leave it at this. There’s no need to make things difficult for my uncle.” Lu Yuchen spoke up at that moment, attempting to mediate.

His display of magnanimity only stoked Wang Zhitao’s fury further. In his eyes, Lu Yuchen a natural prodigy who had struggled alone from a young age and still faced discrimination after returning home should never have to appear so humble.

Wang Zhitao’s gaze swept imperceptibly over the two figures lounging lazily on the sofa, his mind replaying the inadvertent revelation of Lu Yuchen’s hardships. Rage burned within him.

He was determined to settle this score on Lu Yuchen’s behalf.

Wang Zhitao’s arrival instantly escalated the tension in the room, drawing countless stares in their direction.

“So the boss really is from the Wang family? They’ve kept that well hidden.”

“Of course! Which family do you think is more powerful? I’d say the Wangs they’ve extended their reach all the way to Linjiang City. That’s no small feat.”

“The Wang family? They’re certainly influential in Wangcheng, but this is Linjiang City. The Shen family calls the shots here. Whether you’re a dragon or a snake, you coil up politely when you enter their territory.”

“Look at Wang Zhitao does he seem like he’s here to coil up?”

Wang Zhitao seemed eager to resolve matters quickly. Without instructing his subordinates to close the door, he ordered three bodyguards to block the entrance tightly, isolating the commotion outside.

“Don’t worry about young Lu’s matter. Don’t be afraid of what Shen Yanli might do to you. With me here, I’ll personally speak to Old Man Shen. I want to see if they truly think they’re above the law.” He patted Lu Yuchen’s hand reassuringly, his words meant to comfort him, implying that he would handle everything afterward.

Lin Zhiyu had no interest in watching the two men’s display of camaraderie. She slightly raised her head and leaned close to Shen Yanli’s ear, “Will the person you mentioned come?”

Shen Yanli gently pressed Lin Zhiyu’s fingertips one by one as he tilted his head to listen to her question, answering nonchalantly, “That person? They’re standing at the door watching the show.”

“What?” Lin Zhiyu straightened slightly, her face filled with confusion.

Just watching the show? Is this how male friendship works?

Shen Yanli lowered his head to reassure her, “Once they’ve seen enough of the show, they’ll naturally come in.”

Of course Lin Zhiyu knew this she was just exasperated by their way of handling brotherhood.

Only showing up to save the day at the last moment, huh.

While the old man was speaking, Lu Yuchen inadvertently glanced in their direction. They were chatting indifferently like bystanders, completely disregarding him and Wang Zhitao.

The young woman’s hair brushed against the man’s shoulder as she slightly raised her eyes, her gaze overflowing with laughter. The sequins under her dark coat revealed themselves in clusters with her movements, glittering brilliantly under the light.

The man lowered his head to accommodate the woman’s whispering near his ear. Though his face showed no obvious emotional fluctuation, his eyes when looking at her were exceptionally tender.

“Shen Yanli, I’ve said all I need to say. Don’t make my people personally escort you out that scene definitely won’t be pretty, I assure you,” Wang Zhitao said coldly.

“Old Mr. Wang, I think ” Shen Yanli sneered, “you’ve misunderstood. It should be me asking you to leave.”

“What do you mean?” The old man frowned deeply.

“Don’t understand? It means this mountain villa isn’t yours to command,” Shen Yanli said expressionlessly as he raised his head. “Still standing there? Do I need to personally invite you?”

His tone carried impatience, and those familiar with him knew he was getting angry.

A teasing voice came from outside the door, different from Lu Yuchen’s the male voice carried a casual tone with a drawn-out ending, “Grandfather.”

He pushed through the crowd and walked in leisurely. Wang Jingxuan had been watching idly outside for quite some time, finally entering just before Shen Yanli lost his patience.

Wang Zhitao’s anger instantly vanished upon seeing the newcomer. Compared to Lu Yuchen, his lifesaver, he clearly cared more about Wang Jingxuan, his own grandson.

Wang Jingxuan casually draped his arm over the old man’s shoulder, “So, did you miss me, Grandfather?” He sighed and shook his head, “I missed you to death while I was abroad.”

Once Wang Jingxuan arrived, he no longer paid attention to anyone else. The Wang family had only this one precious grandson what could be more important than him?

Lu Yuchen was instantly neglected. The old man who had just vowed to stand up for him had now cast him aside.

“Oh, you rascal! When did you return? Why didn’t you tell your grandfather so I could send someone to pick you up?” Wang Zhitao examined his beloved grandson whom he had been anticipating for over half a year, his heart and eyes filled with joy at his grandson’s return, completely forgetting his promise to stand up for Lu Yuchen.

“Didn’t I want to give you a surprise? I came straight to you as soon as I got off the plane.” Wang Jingxuan coaxed the old man gently.

With such undisguised flattery, Wang Zhitao was indeed coaxed into a beaming smile.

Only family members would fall for this routine.

“By the way, Grandfather, what’s this…” Seizing the moment of his delight, Wang Jingxuan shifted the conversation, preparing to address the main issue.

If this wasn’t resolved soon, Shen Yanli’s icy glare would be enough to kill him.

He glanced curiously toward the sofa, where the woman nestled in his grandfather’s arms was also sizing him up.

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